Sharing the experience and knowledge of organic farming has always been an important part of life at Moon In the Pond Farm, that’s why education has become an essential aspect of our mission. Apprenticeships, internships, full and part time, work-camp visits, workshops and tours are a big part of how we share the growth process.

Click here to learn more about our several different long- and short-term learning/working opportunities.

APPRENTICESHIPS AND LEARNING-WORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Established in 1991, MITP is a small, diverse, sustainable, permaculture, organic farm where the relationship of people to nature is constantly explored in a myriad of ways that include animals, crops, self-sufficiency, sustainability, conservation of heirloom vegetable varieties and seeds, conservation of historic livestock and traditional and modern farming techniques; all while attempting to fill the needs of today’s culture and society. We raise heritage breed animals for meat (nearly ten thousand pounds annually) and heirloom vegetables, eggs, honey, fruit, and more which we sell locally directly to families, partly through our unique CSA (Community Supported Agriculture program) at the farm and at local farmers’ markets. We are involved in a great number of projects that involve community and education. The farm includes: 1 acre veg. Market Garden, 10 Dorset sheep (and 12-18 lambs for meat), 150+/- acres pasture and hay, 2 dairy cows, (+ calves), 15 Scottish Highland cattle (beef), a working Lineback Ox, 3 Large Black (Cornwall) pigs (and as many as 30 piglets raised for pork), 40 Speckled Sussex and Plymouth Rock laying hens, and 100-200+ meat birds, 8 Pilgrim geese (meat and eggs), 40 Khaki Campbell Ducks (meat and eggs), 120,000 (give or take a few) honey bees (three hives), Shiitake mushroom production, etc.

Recreation:
Here in the bosom of the Berkshires, a cultural and alternative-culture Mecca, within view of Mt. Everett and Appalachian Trail, in the middle of about 700 acres of protected land, nature abounds. Hiking, biking, fishing, nature walking, birding, and other activities easily enjoyed. Nearby one can ride, canoe, dance, and attend world-class concerts and yoga classes, etc.

General Internship/Apprenticeship Information:
Internship starts: as agreed
Internship ends: as agreed
Application Deadline: Applications taken year 'round
Minimum Length Stay: 3 months
Number of Interns: 1-4
Contact Preference: email with follow-up phone confirmation

Work/Experience Desired:
Outdoor work experience. Ability and willingness to work at physical labor. Facility with hand tools, basic carpentry, and gardening skills. Driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Stipend/Compensation:
$100/week

Housing:
Several possibilities: a.) Rooms in farm house, b.) the cabin, or c.) room tent.

Meals:
Full board provided: All organic, mostly from the farm--veggies, meat, eggs, milk, yogurt, honey, fruit, etc., etc. All apprentices share meal prep and eat together.

Details about Internship/Apprenticeship:
There are two categories of work-stay: “full-year apprentices” and “interns”.

Full-year Apprenticeship: This is a good position for someone who wants a full, deep understanding of small, very varied modern homestead-like farming; someone interested in learning about, and participating in farm life and community building. Running the full year’s cycle from planning to implementation, to harvest and back to planning, this is an intensive, in-depth, comprehensive program that results in a solid working knowledge of the many facets of a real farm: food production, CSA, community, marketing, organic techniques and farm life, science, philosophy, etc. An apprentice at MITP is required to learn and practice a broad range of skills and take responsibility for farm tasks. Program starts in late winter (Jan.-Mar.).

Internship: For people who have a limited amount of time for an abbreviated version of our apprenticeship. Any amount of time is considered, though longer terms (3-4 months) will be given preference. Generally interns are accepted for the summer months and stay in tents, although housing might be available during colder months. Internship applications accepted at all times of year.

Type of work to be done:
All manner of farm work required: mucking, mulching, milking, mowing, herding, haying, harvesting, watering, weeding, weeding, seeding, feeding, fencing, foraging, planting, transplanting, picking, staking, raking, building, recording, studying, observing, reporting, etc., etc. There are always special projects and all projects are special. Hours and days will necessarily vary--likely 55 hours/week. It's hard work, at a steady pace, outdoors, in the sun/rain, cold/heat, beautiful Berkshire weather. Ability and willingness to work alternately alone and with/or directing others is necessary.

Please take note of the requirements for application: 1) Letter of intent. Why you want this type of experience, what you hope to learn, and what you can offer. Be specific. 2) Résumé. Include all basic personal information. Use dates and names. 3) References. Provide addresses, emails and phone numbers. 4) Proposed dates for interview visit. 5.) A working farm visit is required before final acceptance—3days for internships and one week for apprenticeship.

To apply send detailed letter of intent (what you want to learn, why, and what you expect to contribute-specifically why you think you fit this listing) and résumé and proposed dates for visit/interview. More information will not be sent without résumé. DO NOT send generic requests for more information.